What is Glaucoma? How at Risk are you?

It’s necessary to take timely measures in order to detect and treat glaucoma. Otherwise a person suffering from this disease can become blind. The worst thing is that the process is irreversible. All people over 40 should have their interocular pressure taken during a regular examination at an ophthalmologist. The treatment is specific in each particular case and may combine different methods under the observation of a professional.

This disease is included in the group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The danger lies in the fact that the nerve transmits the visual information to the brain, and it’s caused by the increased pressure in the eye. Glaucoma can be divided into two groups, open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle is considered to be more widespread. Here is what we know about the disease:

– No one can explain where it comes from
– It develops slowly within a time
– The optic nerve is under the damage by pushing pressure
– The disease is inherited
– African Americans are at a highest risk

A closed-angle variation develops very quickly when the aqueous humor fluid is blocked at a moment, and a sick person feels quick, severe and sharp pain. Angle-closed glaucoma is an emergency. If this type of glaucoma occurred at one eye, the second may also be attacked.

The treatment includes the usage of eye drops, laser therapy (in case of inefficiency of medications) and a surgery (it’s painless, lasts for 40 minutes with recuperation period lasting from 1 to 3 weeks). There are certain groups of people who are at risk:

– People over 40
– Asians with dark color of skin, eyes and hair
– Those who have close relatives suffering from glaucoma
– Individual peculiarities of an eye structure
– The long-term usage of hormonal drugs
– Diabetes and hypertension
– Eye traumas
– Myopia

Open-eyed glaucoma is incurable. But regular check-ups will help to prevent blindness. When you have an attack, an immediate medical treatment is a must to save the vision. To prevent the disease, consult your ophthalmologist and visit him for regular check-ups. It may seem strange, but sunglasses can also help. Choose a high quality pair from a respected manufacturer like Tom Ford or Ray Ban sunglasses, and they will definitely protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. If you have had glaucoma or are susceptible to it, sunglasses can help to protect you and prolong your vision.